Water sanitation and hygiene

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) — A Vital Pillar of Healthy Communities

Access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices is essential for health and well-being. However, hill communities often face unique challenges such as difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, seasonal water shortages, and reliance on unsafe sources like streams or ponds.

BIJOY Foundation’s Approach

Safe Water Access
- Gravity-fed piped water systems for hill villages.
- Rainwater harvesting tanks for households and schools.
- Community training on water purification (boiling, solar disinfection, filters).
Sanitation Improvements
- Promotion of eco-friendly toilets suitable for hilly terrain (e.g., twin-pit or composting latrines).
- Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) to end open defecation.
- Waste management awareness for households.
Hygiene Promotion
- Handwashing stations in schools and public areas.
- Health education on handwashing with soap, safe food handling, and personal hygiene.
- Menstrual hygiene awareness and distribution of reusable sanitary products.

Who are the Hill People?

Hill people usually refer to the indigenous and tribal communities living in hilly or mountainous regions. In Bangladesh, they are mainly found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) – Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban. Similar groups exist in other countries across South and Southeast Asia.

Why WASH is Important for Hill People-

Reduced risk of waterborne diseases (diarrhea, cholera, typhoid).
Improved dignity and safety, especially for women and children.
Strengthened community resilience through sustainable water and hygiene practices.

Impact for Hill People:

Geography: Carrying water uphill/downhill is time-consuming, especially for women and children.
Health: Lack of sanitation and hygiene awareness increases disease outbreaks.
Education: Children often miss school due to illness or lack of menstrual hygiene facilities.
Empowerment: Safe water and sanitation reduce workload, improve dignity, and strengthen resilience